DAVID YOUNG AND HIS SHOCKING ATTEMPT TO LURE A GIRL IN CRAWLEY

A man identified as David Young, aged 33, has been convicted of a disturbing crime in Crawley involving deception and attempted sexual predation. The incident took place in October 2021 and involved Young disguising himself as a police officer in order to abduct a 14-year-old girl.

On that day, Young approached the young girl while she was on her way to school. He was dressed in a high-visibility jacket and displayed a fake police badge, clearly attempting to impersonate law enforcement officers. Young then lured the girl to a secluded area within Crawley, where he carried out a search of her belongings, including her bag, coat, and blazer. Despite this invasive behavior, he eventually allowed her to leave the scene.

The following day, authorities and witnesses spotted Young again. This time, he was found with a set of latex gloves, lubricant, and a packet of condoms—items that raised suspicion and indicated potential further criminal activity. The police acted swiftly, linking these items to Young through DNA evidence after his arrest. Investigations also uncovered additional items at his residence, including plastic handcuffs and a stab vest, which suggested further illicit intentions.

Young's prior criminal record compounded the seriousness of his actions. He was previously convicted of sexual offenses in 2012 and had been subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibited him from approaching children. His repeated violations of this order highlighted the significant danger he posed and his ongoing threat to the safety of minors.

In the aftermath of the incident, the victim and her mother promptly contacted the police. The officers remained vigilant, and the next day, they spotted Young riding his bike. During this encounter, Young was involved in a collision with a vehicle. Despite the crash, he continued to cycle away from the scene. He later discarded the gloves, lubricant, and condoms, which investigators subsequently recovered.

The case was brought before Lewes Crown Court, where Young faced trial. He pleaded guilty to kidnapping and breaching the existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order. His actions and possession of the clandestine items underscored his intent and recklessness.

Jayne Cioffi, the senior Crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, stated, "This was clearly a traumatic experience for a young girl on her way to school. David Young went to great lengths to make himself look like a police officer so he could lure a child away for his own depraved needs."

She added, "We understand the trauma felt by the victim and commend her bravery in supporting this prosecution. I hope this guilty verdict provides some comfort to her and her family."

Young is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, at a court yet to be specified. His previous convictions and current behavior underscore the continued risks associated with individuals who have a history of sexual offending, especially when they violate legal restrictions designed to protect the community from harm.